Now that the weather is 'just' cold and rainy, the critters have come up for their food at night as before...they hibernated in the 6 and 8 degree nights. So last night I was really surprised not to have any 'customers' at my 'cafe' on the terrace. And the two skunks and one 'coon who did come up early seemed very nervous, watching the woods more than usual and skittish whenever I walked down the glass hallway. I even threw out some coveted pecans and vanilla cookies and hoped for the best that would lure them......
Around 9 p.m I got up to see if any food had disappeared and lo and behold, there was the little gray fox! I hadn't seen him since the spring, and so had assumed the worst. He looked wonderful, and best of all, I could hardly tell his foot had been badly mangled, he was running on it so well -- only when he jumped the terrace wall and ran into the woods could I tell he had a slight limp.
Although they had eaten together before, maybe now that he was healed he became more of a predator again than before. Tonight there is the usual crowd of 5 coons and a few skunks, so I assume the fox has moved on. I can open the door to throw out more food and the skunks will stay on the terrace. They have never gotten into the 'spray' position. When they turn away and 'aim' at you they warn you. When they stamp their front feet, you'd better be retreating. They only spray as a last resort. Contrary to belief, they don't spray easily. They have a certain amount in reserve and tend to use it judiciously!
A flying squirrel has moved back into a roosting pocket near the front door. I had one live there for a summer and fall, but it's been two years since I've seen one and I think they are so cool. Since they are nocturnal, they don't like the activity during the day. The bluebird box has been occupied by bluebirds roosting together at night to keep warm. The blue and green herons are back fishing on the pond.
The mustangs love the cold weather. They are in their element. Burr----I'll stay inside!
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11 comments:
Wow, you have quite a menagerie in your back yard!
I'm glad the two of you can relax a bit and enjoy the wildlife and pets. I'm just returning to the right time zone after being away.
What an array of critters you have! I am a bit jealous, I must admit! Flying squirrels, lovely herons, the goreous mustangs, blue birds ahhhh heavenly! We get a lot fo birds, foxes, coyotes and some bobcats. They kinda scare me when I hear them at night
You make me homesick.
What a wonderful place you live in!
I love reading about the animals. A grey fox!
I love to hear about all the animals that come visit you. My hubby would love that, oh how he loves animals. Glad you explained some things to me about skunks. *eeeks*
and a "glass hallway" that sounds intriguing
OH, and one more thing. We took a drive way out to the foothills this week and came across some wild horses. That was dang cool. They are having trouble with people shooting the wild horses and there are "awards" for leads to those responsible. How sad eh.
Yes stay inside and light a fire like I do during LA's rainy/cold season.
I have always pondered that animals can stay outside all year long. I wish we humans could handle that. But, the homeless do it!
Secretia
Every few years we have a red squirrel in the yard, and I love to see the blur they are when they run across the fence. We had one last summer. There was also a red fox in the neighborhood which we were surprised to see was very bold and out during the daytime. And then one day we saw him in the yard with our lovely little red squirrel. :-( Nature!
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